Russian authorities are “most likely” to start blocking major VPN services in March, the head of the Kremlin-aligned Safer Internet Federation said on Monday.
Download a VPN that allows users to access blocked websites Russia has seen a surge in infections since authorities began blocking Western social media platforms and many independent Russian news outlets amid the invasion of Ukraine.
“VPNs, especially free VPNs, are absolutely the gateway to hell… it’s a big black hole in your device,” Ekaterina Mizulina, director of the Safe Internet League, told a group of high school students in Yekaterinburg.
Asked about rumors that the Russian government may be planning to block VPNs by March 1, she said, “Yes…that’s most likely.”
Misurina then clarified that while it is “technically impossible” for authorities to block VPNs “completely,” they will target some of the most popular services.
She added that authorities were trying to protect “people and devices” by banning free VPNs.
Last year, Russian authorities launched a campaign to warn the public about the dangers of using VPN services, including exposing devices to hackers who can access personal data.
But observers say the campaign aims to stifle free speech and limit access to independent news sources.